TechPlay @the Library: Narrowing the digital divide, one smart toy at the time

Abstract

Play is important for children to gain essential knowledge, skills, and develop a love for lifelong learning. Greater Victoria Public Library (GVPL) is an environment that promotes play, exploration and hands-on learning. From borrowable skill builder kits and “Stay & Play” programs after Storytimes, to the newest TechPlay lab, GVPL is expanding and integrating quality education services into education systems outside traditional spaces.

TechPlay is an innovative service for young patrons, providing free access to educational toys and activities to explore STEM concepts: coding, basic electricity, engineering, math and science. TechPlay Lab opened in 2022 and within the first two months was visited by 122 groups with fabulous feedback. One parent noted “The Lab is awesome. Just the thing little engineers need”.

GVPL approaches library services from a community-inspired perspective, connecting communities to digital worlds and emerging technologies. Our librarians work within portfolios and this poster highlights GVPL TechPlay, and the approach GVPL’s Creative Technology Portfolio team uses to design successful services.

The pandemic exacerbated the digital divide; TechPlay offers families opportunities to play and learn, using facilitated play as an educational tool to inspire innovation, creativity, quality lifelong learning and engage in Sustainable Development Goals, specifically #4.